VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1916-1922 - Model 490 1917 490

Sorry for the questions but this is my first old chevy next oldest is 37 Chevy for me. Do they have a reproduction radiator emblem out there when I'm fixing my radiator I would like to replace the emblem as it is not in the best of shape but rest of the car is perfect. Also what air pressure does everyone prefer to keep in their tires and drive on. How about what oil do you prefer. I know on my dad's Model T's they recommend he runs rotella the same as I put in my Duramax. Thanks for any and all help I'm trying my best to be an example to people my age how much fun these cars are

Don't know about the emblem. Was thinking it was the same size as the '32 but I can be wrong as my '18 490 is too far away to check.

I would not use Rotella 15W-40 in an old Chevy. The viscosity is too high for a splash oiled engine. Might consider 5W-40 but at the asking price doesn't excite me. I use 10W-30 in my Chevys and feel that the internal lubrication is just right. BTW there is plenty of zinc in all automotive oils for our old Chevys. Might use a supplement or oil with higher zinc for break-in on a modern high compression, high valve spring engine. Valve springs on a 490 are not much stronger than what is needed to push the valves back into the seats.

Thanks I have plenty of 10w30 and 10 w20 around here from Grandpa to last me a life time I will use that.

Hello,
The emblem on the radiator was only painted on 1916 models, but replaced with the same outlook in enamel same as up to 1928. They are easy to find in NORS, some few also in used/may be in NOS.
Look here: (if you are on Facebook)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...87.1073741825.100001553518683&type=3

The air pressure should always be 60 psi when driving safe on tyres 30 x 3 or 30 x 3 1/2.

I use 600W oil both in the gear box and the rear axle. As to the engine it is overhauled recently so I use modern Pennzoil 10/40.